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New Year's Eve always goes by in slow motion for me. I pretend it's not a big deal when the clock changes from 11:59 to 12:00, but I'm not one overly enthralled with change. I'm rather afraid of it actually. Looking back on the past year, I know I've learned a lot. I've learned about myself and the world around me. I've learned that I will always need my family. I want to always be learning new things and having new experiences, even if they scare me at first. I've learned that I'm stronger than I think, by God's grace. 11:44 p.m. We're slowly rounding the corner of the tunnel. There is a bright light coming from the arch, but we're not close enough to see what is there. I know that I want to love someone, truly, madly and deeply. I want to grow in my relationship with God and grow closer to Him. I know this trip to Europe will be life-changing. I'll be another year older and, hopefully, wiser. My mother started a new tradition this year; picking a saint for the year (a tradition you can read about here). The saint from the piece of paper I picked out of the basket was St. John of the Cross. The prayer intention; "Pray for those who suffer, that they unite with Jesus and find joy." I am always struggling with various crosses that I need to lay at the feet of Christ, especially recently. It is because of this, that the quote on the sheet struck a chord within me. "Would that men might come at last to see that it is quite impossible to reach the thicket of the riches and wisdom of God except by first entering the thicket of much suffering, in such a way that the soul finds there its consolation and desire." 11:54 p.m. My resolution for the new year is to pray more, listen more and live in the moment. Be always thankful for my blessings, my family, friends and opportunities. 12:00 a.m. I love my life. I'm ready for you, 2012.